I have a old PI (200Mhz) w/16MB RAM, 2GB HDD & 2 NICs

I wanna setup this box to do the following:
DHCP server
Firewall
Internet Connection Sharing
SSH server

Later on, I might add more disk space and setup NFS.

So, my question is: what is the most lightweight distro/installation that will serve these pruposes while keeping the machine running as smooth as possible (at 16MB RAM). I tried to install FC3 (without all the bells & whistles) but it refused cause it wanted 64MB minimum.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

PS: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the difficulty of Linux-From-Scratch?

see next post

I would recommend to go to

linux.org

and search for minimalist versions. e.g. DSL (Damn Small Linux ) is well supported and will surelly run on your Hardware

Regarding your question about linux from scratch, I think the answer is obvious:It depends on your level of expertise.

In general terms being
1 the easiest way to install linux (buying a computer with linux installed and configured)
10 being the one that requires the most knowledge

Linux-from-scratch is definetivelly a 10. That does not mean that it's difficult if you know what you are doing, just that you need to know a lot.

If you want something that's really customized 'mid of the road': Flexibility to install just what you need + relatively easy to do, I would recomend ,Gentoo . Be aware that you may want to create your gentoo image using a fast computer and then copy it on the slower one as it requires to do very heavy compilations (sometimes taking half day in a decent computer). ,Gentoo requires patience. Make sure that you follow the documentation step by step.

Thanks Raul,

will check out DSL....

I second gentoo, i have used it on very old pcs and seen it running on dinosaures pretty well. I would recommend that you don't install a graphical interface but use SSH to administrate it.

Moved: This thread is more suitable in Linux-Distributions and has been moved accordingly to help your thread/question get the exposure it deserves.

Linux From Scratch is a seperate distro in it's own right.

I would recommend trying SmoothWall.

I have one of very similar specs. except that mine has 32MB of RAM...

It's a very good firewall/NAT-ing Router, DHCP Server, VPN Server, etc..

It's easy to set up and work great. No X installed, all administration is done via web-based interface.. I really like mine, and it sounds like this might be just what you need...

Good Luck!